Marriage passes Maine House

Here are press releases from EqualityMaine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders:

EqualityMaine Applauds House Passage
of Marriage Equality Bill

AUGUSTA - The momentum continues to build in favor of
legislation granting marriage equality to same-sex couples in Maine. In the halls of
the State House on Tuesday, leaders of the coalition backing the bill hailed the
impressive vote in the House of Representatives sending the bill one big step
closer to enactment.

"Since we began our campaign, thousands of Mainers have
raised their voices in support of fairness for gay and lesbian families," said
Betsy Smith, Executive Director of EqualityMaine. "Today an overwhelming number
of legislators agreed that marriage should be open to all Maine
families."

With the Senate already on record 21-14 in favor of LD
1020, the Tuesday House vote means that the legislation granting equal marriage
rights to same-sex couples is only two steps away from final passage. The bill
introduced by Sen. Dennis Damon (D-Hancock) and backed by more than 60
co-sponsors needs only a second Senate vote, and a signature from Gov. John
Baldacci.

"We are thrilled that the House of Representatives has
now joined the Senate in backing protections for all Maine families and
children," said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine Civil Liberties
Union, a member of the Maine Coalition for Freedom to Marry. "The right to
marriage, which provides so much social and economic support, will be a boon to
so many Maine
families with children who have been struggling in these challenging economic
times. We are very gratified."

LD 1020 would allow qualified same sex couples to marry,
as well as recognize similar marriages legally performed in other states. The
bill affirms that religious organizations will still control what marriages they
choose to perform, but that civil marriage rights will be granted equally to
same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

"I think the Legislature has clearly recognized that
this bill does not pose a threat to religious freedom," said Mary Bonauto, Civil
Rights Project Director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. "Mainers
have listened to this debate and realized that it is about civil marriage
rights, and the need to treat all Maine couples
fairly."

The second Senate vote is expected to happen this week
and action by the Governor could come soon after that. The bill would then
become law 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature, expected in
mid-June. If opponents of marriage equality seek to mount a people's veto
campaign, they would need to gather signatures for a referendum vote, which
could be held as soon as November.

If opponents force this issue to the ballot, Smith said
she was optimistic about the results. EqualityMaine has been organizing in all
areas of the state, and they have found strong support for marriage equality.
"Our work all across Maine has convinced us
that Maine
people are in support of granting fair and equal treatment for all families, and
we are confident that we will prevail if it comes to a vote," said
Smith.

Maine's House of
Representatives voted 89 - 58 in favor of the marriage equality bill that was
passed last week by the Senate. Next, it goes to Governor Baldacci, who has
said he is listening and keeping an open mind.

The following is
the statement of Lee Swislow,
Executive Director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates &
Defenders:

The legislature not only listened,
they heard. They heard that marriage is not just a bundle of rights, but is
dignity and respect; it is full and equal citizenship; it represents a future of
hope for gay and lesbian youth. We are hopeful that Governor Baldacci is
hearing this, too.

When we said in November that we
intended to achieve marriage equality in all six New
England states by 2012, people may have thought we were crazy. But
having won our lawsuits in Massachusetts and
Connecticut,
and working with strong partners in the states, we knew it was possible. We're
proud and we're excited, and we're hopeful for all of New
England, and for the entire country.

GLAD is
New England's leading legal organization
devoted to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and
gender identity and expression. GLAD brought the lawsuits that resulted in
marriage equality in Massachusetts and
Connecticut.